Madison vs Racine: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Madison, WI and Racine, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Racine, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,040 | $68,644▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.02 | $33.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,022 | $34,852▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,260 | $50,099▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,637 | $91,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,999 | $126,133▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Racine, WI offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Racine is $16,604 (31.91%). Racine's median is +10.76% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $86,977,Racine spans $91,281. Racine has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Racine ($71,533 effective) pays 33.73% more than Madison ($53,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Racine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,644/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,133)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,533)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Madison grew 3.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in Racine over the same period.
Madison, WI
$47,510 (2019) → $49,080 (2025)
Racine, WI
$47,260 (2019) → $64,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Racine, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Madison or Racine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Racine?
Should I relocate from Madison to Racine as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Madison vs Racine?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov